Never Forget the Hallelujah

Scripture:
Blessed are you, Lord God of Israel,
    from eternity to eternity;
Let all the people say, “Amen!”
    Hallelujah!
Psalm 106:48

Observation: The psalmist has now completed his review of every fault by Israel, and of God's anger and actions to correct them. In their unfaithfulness, God's anger burned against them. As a nation, Israel was finally turned over to enemy nations, who dominated, oppressed, and humiliated them. However, the Lord will not forget his promises. The Lord will protect Israel even in their captivity, according to the greatness of his grace and love.

In the end, the response is worship. In good times and bad, at the end of struggles or during the struggles, the response is "Amen" and "Hallelujah" - praise the Lord.

Application: As I was reading this, I was also hearing a remembrance about the 9/11 terror attacks. This was one of the darkest moments in any national memory, a harsh and sudden act of violence, born out of ... at its core ... the question about the nature of the Lord. This was about Muslim terrorists feeling the need to kill, out of their radically flawed idea of God.

The Lord of all the earth is a loving, merciful, gracious God. His anger burns against those who rebel against him, but his promise of redemption and love is eternal, delivered though faith in Jesus. Even in dark times, the Lord is our light, and our anchor for security, joy, and hope.

It is true that we will never forget the dark moment of 9/11. However, we will also never forget the grace of the Lord, and the hope he give us. His great light overcomes the dark. His love overcomes all hate. His promise overcomes all fear.

Prayer: Lord, today I do not sink in despair, but rather I soar with hope provided by you. It is your promise that guides my daily life, and may I live into that promise in my thoughts, words, and deeds every day. Thank you for your deliverance in all things. Amen.